The Gid Nelson battery, also called Selden's and
Lovelace's, was organized at Uniontown in the spring of 1862; was in
Slaughter's, and afterward Cantey's, brigade, army of Mobile, during the
summer of 1863. In January, 1864, it was at Jackson, Miss., commanded by
Captain Selden. It was transferred to Walthall's division, army of Tennessee,
and in June, 1864, was commanded by Lieut. Chas. W. Lovelace. It was in a
fight near Kenesaw Mountain, June, 1864, and at Peachtree Creek in July. Here
Lieutenant Lovelace was wounded, but remained at his guns until his ammunition
was exhausted. Major Preston, chief of artillery, was killed while personally
supervising this battery at Peachtree Creek. The battery was complimented on
the field by General Reynolds. It fought with considerable loss at Jonesboro
in August, and in October gained great distinction by the reduction of the
blockhouse at Tilton, near Dalton, where 300 Union prisoners were taken. It
fought at Nashville, losing heavily in guns and men; here Lieutenant Lovelace
was captured. The battery was transferred to Mobile and commanded by Capt. W.
M. Selden in March, 1865; it finally surrendered at Meridian. It was called,
successively, by the names of its captains.

Extracts From Official War Records

No. 42--(39) In Slaughter's brigade, June 8, 1863. (131) In
Cantey's brigade, battery commanded by Lieut. W. M. Selden, Mobile, August
1st. (157) In Cantey's brigade, Mobile, August 10th; one section, called
Selden's, at Pollard.
No. 58--(547, 548) Called Selden's, in department of Gulf;
headquarters, Jackson, Miss., January 11, 1864. (582) Mentioned among troops
in department of Gulf.
No. 74--(646) In Cantey's division, army of Mississippi,
June 10, 1864. (653) Lieut. Charles W. Lovelace, Walthall's division, army of
Tennessee, June and July. (667, 675) In Preston's battalion, Stewart's corps,
siege or Atlanta. (873) Mentioned in report of Capt. Chas. Vanderford. (917)
Mentioned in report of General Cockrell.(926) General Walthall, in his report
of the battle of Peachtree Creek, July 20th, says: "Selden's battery, under
the immediate command of Lieutenant Lovelace, was gotten into an advantageous
position, where it was
so skillfully and rapidly served, that the flanking force was soon driven off
in confusion." (938) Gen. D. H. Reynolds in his report of same fight,
Peachtree Creek, says: "Major Preston promptly put Selden's battery (commanded
by Lieutenant Lovelace) into position, and opened on the enemy with telling
effect. The battery, under the immediate supervision of Major Preston and
Lieutenant Lovelace, did noble service, and I regret to state that Major
Preston was killed and Lieutenant Lovelace wounded; yet, although wounded,
Lieutenant Lovelace kept his battery in position until it had fired its last
round of ammunition." (967) Relieved by Barry's battery, 4 p.m., July 20th.
(969) Report of Lieut. Chas. Lovelace on battle of Peachtree Creek. (979-981)
Mentioned in journal of army of Tennessee.
No. 75--(771) Mentioned by Adjutant-General West, near
Kenesaw mountain, June 12th.
No. 77--(812) Gen. A. P. Stewart says that Selden's battery
reduced the blockhouse at Tilton, near Dalton, where 300 men were captured,
October 13, 1864.
No. 78--(858) Stewart's corps, Hood's army, Nashville
campaign.
No. 103--(1047) Commanded by Lieut. Wm. M. Selden at
Mobile, March 10, 1865.